UPDATE, FRIDAY, 4:40 PM: The King County Medical Examiner in Washington state has positively identified Misty Upham’s body, which was discovered the day before by a family-led search party at the bottom of a ravine near her apartment in Auburn, WA. Upham died on October 5, the state coroner said, according to Reuters — one day before her family had reported her missing. The cause and manner of her death remain under investigation.

Earlier today, Upham’s family continued to criticize local police for their lack of cooperation in the search. In a Facebook post, the family accused the Auburn Police Department of having a role in Upham’s disappearance, relating previous run-ins between her and officers and suggesting Upham slipped down the 150-foot embankment after “she ran into the wooded area behind her apartment to hide from the police.”

PREVIOUS, THURSDAY, 8:32 PM: Misty Upham, who was nominated for an Indie Spirit Award in 2009 for her role in the feature film Frozen River, was found dead in the woods in Auburn, WA, today after going missing earlier this month. She was 32. Filmmaker friend Tracy Rector, speaking on behalf of the family, confirmed that the Native American actress was found by a search party led by uncle Robert Upham. She was later identified by family members. “The main thing her family wants people to know is that the Auburn Police Department would not cooperate in looking for Misty,” Rector told Deadline. “There’s a long history of police harassment and friction between the police and the Muckleshoot community here, and her family feels they dropped the ball and Misty perhaps would have been found if the police had taken it seriously.”

“Misty was a talented and kind soul who will be greatly missed,” said Upham’s manager Richard Kerner. “My deepest condolences to her family and friends.”

Upham, whose recent credits included the Oscar-nominated August: Osage County and Django Unchained, was reported missing by her family October 6. Her body was found this afternoon near the White River less than an hour outside Seattle, according to that city’s KIRO-TV. A search party of three found Upham’s purse and ID and later discovered her body at the bottom of a 150-foot ravine, the Seattle Times reported. The body was not immediately ID’d but the paper quoted a police spokesman as saying there was a “good chance” it was Upham. The King County Coroner’s office is expected to make a statement tomorrow.

Upham truly broke through with Frozen River, an indie drama written and directed by Courtney Hunt. A standout at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival where it premiered, it starred Upham and Melissa Leo as two single, desperate moms who become part of a smuggling operation across the St. Lawrence River separating the U.S. and Canada on a Mohawk reservation. Leo was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar and Hunt for Original Screenplay.

Two years earlier, in a poignant essay for the Native American Indigenous Cinema and Arts, she described the struggles of a minority actress in Hollywood, where at the time she had been “in and out of Hollywood looking for work for the past seven years.”

She wrote: “In a business that has exploited and ignored our people I have only found dead-ends. We need romantic comedies, gross-out and mockery comedies, horror and thrillers, teen movies and love-stories. All these and more will be a positive step towards the future of Native Americans in the world and film industry; an industry that that offers us not only the chance to play the parts of heroes, love interests and warriors, but also of villains, dorks and dangerous, brokenhearted products of circumstance.”

Earlier this week on October 12, Upham’s father Charles issued a statement via Facebook revealing his daughter’s struggles with mental illness and his frustration at the Auburn Police Department’s lack of mobilization. He also emphasized that he did not believe Upham would take her own life. “We have requested help from the Muckleshoot tribe for search teams but they do not have funding for that. We are petitioning Auburn PD to implement the ENDANGERED MISSING PERSONS PLAN. This will allow law enforcement to search for her and bring her into medical care when they find her. But they feel she does not fit the profile at this time. The detective on the case assured our family that Auburn PD is doing everything they can to find Misty. But then they release a press statement and say they are not looking for her. These mixed messages are confusing.”

“I think Misty may have walked into nearby woods and got hurt and can’t reach help or I think she may have had an encounter with someone who may have caused her harm,” he continued. “I believe she would contact us if she could. I feel that if she is found soon she may have a chance to survive. But time is slipping away.”

46 Comments

Such sad news. May she rest in peace. My heart goes out to her family and friends.

No One Of Consequence • on Oct 16, 2014 8:45 pm

Very sad story and I feel bad for the family’s loss.

I find it very bothersome that after being reported missing for nearly 10 days, the family and friends formed a search party of 3 people and found her body nearly immediately. Local police ought to be ashamed of themselves if those facts are true.

• on Oct 16, 2014 11:23 pm

Exactly so true and creepy.

• on Oct 18, 2014 7:36 am

Only makes me wonder about family involvement ???

Richard Kerner • on Oct 16, 2014 8:54 pm

It is very sad to lose my talented client Misty. She was a kind and giving person who struggled with certain issues but fought hard to overcome them. She will be dearly missed . My condolences to her family and friends

• on Oct 16, 2014 11:06 pm

Tragic news. Deepest condolences.

Billy • on Oct 17, 2014 12:17 am

Why didn’t you help seek “help” for Misty? or was she just a paycheck for you bro? It’s sad that you didn’t recognize the warning signs……..

HowardB • on Oct 17, 2014 8:49 am

Wow! Accusatory, much?

Do you know, for a fact, that he didn’t try to help – or seek help for – her? Even if he did not, is it really necessary to attack him when he is is expressing his condolences?

exactly. thank you Howard. they have no idea what I did to try and help. no idea! some people are just ignorant like BILLY!

Haditha • on Oct 17, 2014 10:59 am

Gosh, what ignorance. Mental conditions, especially where there are no underlying causes such as hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism, can be cyclical. One minute a person is on, the next, something has triggered an episode. Now, if they stop taking their meds, and this tends to happen out of frustration, things can go downhill very fast. It’s not time to throw stones but simply condole the bereaved.

free radikal • on Oct 18, 2014 11:16 am

Hyper/hypothyroidism is a description of an over or underactive thyroid gland… so that is a physical problem with the thyroid gland. So it’s strange for you to say there is no underlying causes for a malfunctioning thyroid gland when it IS the actual identifiable problem. It’s not a psychological problem. It’s a physical problem!

rbgarant • on Oct 17, 2014 11:04 am

you’re an ass, billy.

Marvin • on Oct 17, 2014 12:29 pm

He wrote “she struggled with certain issues” so based on that sounds like he recognized there were problems.

Taylor Loeb • on Oct 17, 2014 1:38 am

Richard, have admired her work since FROZEN RIVER. So sorry for your and her family’s loss and our loss of the stories she would tell.

Jacob S. • on Oct 17, 2014 9:17 am

We know how good you were with her and helped her. She will be dearly missed!

• on Oct 16, 2014 11:04 pm

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends.She will be greatly missed

Carma • on Oct 16, 2014 11:49 pm

My condolences to the family and friends of Misty Upham. So sad, and terrible that the family could not get APD to cooperate in the search for their beloved family member!! Shame on Them!! I just want the family to know that i am so sorry for their loss, they are all in my prayers, and my heart goes out to them all, very sad… :-(
I Loved her movies she is in, frozen river, August: Osage County, did not know she was in Django: Unchained, or i would have watched that flick too!! i think its awesome to see Native American Actors/Actresses!! being a Native American myself and A member of the Muckleshoot Tribe!!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Family and Friends of Misty…. RIP Misty, You Will Be Missed By All! :-(

peisley1 • on Oct 16, 2014 11:59 pm

My condolences to the family. As someone familiar with living with a mentally ill person, I can relate to the ineffectual nature of police to finding a missing person who is in a psychotic state. Not to disparage this family’s issues with their community, but this is a common complaint. Unless that person is deemed a danger to himself/herself or others, they will not respond. I’d like to take issue with the authorities over this, but, to some degree I can’t. So many people go missing in a given day, it can be overwhelming. Authorities do, however, need to readdress the current protocol. If a family member who is familiar with the person’s illness and meds says there’s going to be trouble, they should be listened to. The 51/50 law is not enough. It’s too often too late. Facilities for the mentally ill are in dire straights throughout the country. More funding for staffing and housing the mentally ill should be a priority on every political agenda.

carl Kurlander • on Oct 17, 2014 1:32 am

Tragic. She sounded both talented and drive. A special person that the world should mourn. My heart goes out.

Tanja Zambaras • on Oct 17, 2014 1:33 am

With all the millions that the casino brings in daily- they could not have spared a few grand to help find her? This I cannot understand. Yet. I find that a family member found her interesting…

Tanja Zambaras • on Oct 17, 2014 1:40 am

She was a beautiful person. The kind of person who would have not gone un- noticed. Plus the casino and that entire area have cameras.. Very sad. And such a waste. She did not deserve this.

A.C. Allen • on Oct 17, 2014 2:55 am

I don’t want to believe it because it’s so horrible. Misty was a wonderful and giving person. I can’t speak to her struggles with mental illness, but I do know she struggled as an actress and a human being to be recognized for her talent. When we first met in 2009, I told her I wanted to write a Native American themed pilot. She said – Do it! And write a role for me – I want to be the first Native American sex kitten! So I did it. That pilot became my calling card around town and helped me get into the WGA. I was never so proud as when I finished it. She read it and loved it. We celebrated by dancing the night away at The Abbey.

Misty, I will always remember you and honor your struggle. I know you’re in heaven, dancing the night away.

THEATRICAL REVIEW BOARD • on Oct 17, 2014 4:43 am

She was a British actress who came in through Canada. Not really indigenous American. Acting was her profession and her biographies were written to sell that, but in real life she was an anglo-caucasian.

• on Oct 17, 2014 10:47 am

She was Blackfeet and born in Montana. She got her acting start with the Native youth theatre group, Red Eagle Soaring, based here in Seattle. She was still active with the group, coming in from time to time to coach and mentor the kids.

My heart goes out to the Upham family, all the youth and alumni of Red Eagle Soaring, and all of those within the community that banded together to help her be found. She can now be put to rest thanks to the efforts of those that cared when the police did not.

rbgarant • on Oct 17, 2014 11:08 am

She was from Montana, Blackfoot Tribe.

Good God, people are weird and disrespectful.

Navajo • on Oct 17, 2014 6:30 pm

I’m Navajo and I really admired Misty when I find out that she was Native American Actress. So sad. Some of the Natives have talents and only a few makes it to the spotlight. Misty was one of them. To the family we’ll share your pain. My deepest condolences to the family. A beautiful young we oman just came home to the Creator. RIP

Gustavo H.R. • on Oct 17, 2014 5:51 pm

What are you talking about?

Walter Delamater • on Oct 17, 2014 7:12 am

very sad to hear this. :-( …and that police dept. needs to be investigated.

Alyssa • on Oct 17, 2014 10:43 pm

Couldn’t agree with you more Walter.. Having been an Auburn resident myself for many years during my teens, I can assure you that they don’t do shit for victims/and their families. It’s a disgrace. A petition for an investigation should be in order. And my deepest condolences go out to the Upham family during this devastating time. RIP Misty <3 and may the truth be revealed as I don't believe the reports of this being a suicide.. Per a close friend of Misty's, Juliette Lewis.

Tate • on Oct 17, 2014 7:42 am

Misty was a good, underrated actress who naturally dominated most scenes she was in. Her small role in Django Unchained is memorable. I do agree with the family friend, that police dept needs to be investigated. It sounds about as dirty as the Burbank, Calif. police dept. I strongly suggest a Google search for L.A residents.

Bill Blankenship • on Oct 17, 2014 12:47 pm

i live in seattle, this is one of MANY reasons we a complete overhaul of SPD. so far they’ve just gone as far as pretending to change by hiring a woman and bringing back retired officials that the public previously perceived as ‘good’.

we’ve had multiple cases of people hunting/luring cops to be killed over the last couple years and even this week had some guy go on a drive-by spree targeting cop cars/buildings. these people are crazy, terrible people but there’s are reason this keeps happening…

• on Oct 18, 2014 5:06 am

Nothing can be worse than LAPD.

Doug McKenzie • on Oct 21, 2014 11:59 pm

yeah something tells me that there are a great MANY things “worse than LAPD.”

Anonymous 1 • on Oct 17, 2014 10:58 am

I have a feeling the PD didn’t do anything because she was native american. Typical.

mother of fat boy • on Oct 17, 2014 6:15 pm

Maybe police don’t want to investigate a hoax. They should be arresting these scam artists instead.

Hey- did you know that ISIS is a trap to lure terrists to the middle east? You can’t trust Americans… they’re full of tricks!

Duckhomie • on Oct 17, 2014 8:21 pm

Why bad mouth the PD? You have lost your daughter and appear to be searching for someone to shake down, why? Your daughter was sick, she took her own life, and you need to accept that fact and move on.

• on Oct 17, 2014 8:53 pm

It is a shame Misty was missing for over a week and the police in her town did nothing to help find her. It’s even more sad that the police knew she had a history of suicide threats by their own admission stating they have been to her home at least 4 different times concerning suicide threats. The police failed her and her family. I hope Misty’s family file a civil suit against the police department. May she rest in peace!

Bishop Deans • on Oct 18, 2014 3:22 pm

It is not illegal to commit suicide. The police did what they were supposed to do. Typical…..the father calls the police, the police respond and look through her residence for any signs of a disturbance. Nothing was found, and her keys and purse were missing as if she left like normal. (She had “disappeared” a number of times before this and had returned in a weeks time.) It is not illegal for an adult to not call their family or tell them where they were going.
The police drove around looking for her. However, the father who called the police, then said that she was afraid of police and “the police played a part in her death” by saying that she probably saw the police cars and ran into the woods, falling to her death. There are a lot of changing stories by the family. In the end, it is tragic and sad, and I pray for the family, but everyone is just making it all worse by trying to turn this into something it isn’t. people could say that if the family loved her and knew she was off her meds, why didn’t they take care of her. Everyone should remain focused on Misty and her life, and tragic end. Maybe even starting a scholarship fund for other Blackfoot Tribe members who wish to become an actor/actress. (I live in the county, just outside City of Auburn city limits, and I am a member of the Cherokee Nation.)

Latasha • on Oct 17, 2014 8:59 pm

It is a shame Misty was missing for over a week and the police in her town did nothing to help find her. It’s even more sad that the police knew she had a history of suicide threats by their own admission stating they have been to her home at least 4 different times concerning suicide threats. The police failed her and her family. I hope Misty’s family file a civil suit against the police department. May she rest in peace!

Latasha • on Oct 17, 2014 9:10 pm

People who work for the police department in her town might be persons of interest in her death and the FBI should conduct a full and thorough investigation. It’s very suspicious that the police never attempted to search for Misty. Let that had been a white woman, she would have been all over the news as missing and everyone in her town including the police would have searched high and low, day and night. It’s a shame how evil and uncaring people can be. Karma is a B and knows everyone address.

Bishop Deans • on Oct 18, 2014 3:13 pm

It is sad that people are trying to reduce this to a white issue. The police were brought in by her father, they looked around her apartment and found nothing out of order. She had disappeared many times before and returned in about a weeks time. She left her apartment with her purse and keys just as if she was coming and going normally. The city of Auburn is a small farming community and does not have the funds or the staff to handle a search. Plus, it is not illegal for an adult to disappear.
If she was so afraid of the police, why get the police involved. None of it adds up, so everybody should wait and see what comes of the story before jumping on the police. My uncle was an officer in Montana for 40+years and he always said that the hardest part of the job is the fact that people blame the police for either taking to long to answer to a 911 call, arriving at a scene where those causing the problem did not call so they say, “go do your job and fight real crime”, or those that want to immediately say they are being discriminated against because of the color of their skin, what they were driving, etc. It is about time people knew the whole story before judging people and/or situations.
(Oh and btw, I am a member of the Cherokee Nation.)

A. • on Oct 18, 2014 6:30 am

I grieve for the Upham family (and those closest to them) who lost a beautiful young lady in a way that may never be fully understood. What really happened? Who or what is to blame? Only those who participated in the alleged crime hold the key to those questions. Even if Misty struggled with mental illness, there are thousands of us who’ve learned how to live with the roller coaster ride of it everyday. It’s not an automatic death sentence even during the times it feels like one. I pray God’s comfort for the family and healing for the gaping wound in their souls.

Bishop Deans • on Oct 18, 2014 2:59 pm

So sorry to hear that Misty has been found deceased. I will keep Misty and her family in my prayers. I believe that Misty is happy and healthy while smiling because she has been reunited with her loved ones who have passed on. I do not believe the police dept did anything wrong. If the father really believed that Misty was afraid of the police, he would not have called them to ask for help. I know from personal experience that it is much easier to focus blame onto someone instead of dealing with the overwhelming sadness and empty feeling. However, the focus needs to remain on Misty, and if anything, something positive should come out off this. Starting a scholarship program under Mistys name for other aboriginal people who choose to follow in her footsteps, or even a support program for others going through a similar situation. No matter what, the attention should stay on Misty and the beauty she brought to life.

nkjnkj • on Oct 18, 2014 3:34 pm

Frozen River is a real testament to her talent. You will be missed! RIP

• on Oct 23, 2014 10:35 am

Does anyone find this remotely ironic, and concerning that the last part she played in the tv show “The black list” episode five, was a psychotic person?

Diane/ Cristins Mom • on Oct 29, 2014 12:27 am

We are so very sorry Charles & dear family & sweet friends of lovely Misty. She was truly a little star shooting passed us all.We loved her and you her family and are so very sad.Forever I will call her my little papoose & dear Mona, may yr heart be comforted.Peace to you my dear.
Cristin & Mom.